Recent Innovations in Biotechnology - Class 12 Biotechnology - Chapter 12 - Notes, NCERT Solutions & Extra Questions
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What are the advantages of biodiesel?
Biodiesel offers several advantages over conventional fossil diesel, making it a desirable alternative fuel. Firstly, biodiesel contains higher levels of hydrogen and oxygen, which improves the combustion efficiency and significantly reduces emissions of particulate matter from unburnt carbon. Additionally, it is produced from renewable resources such as vegetable oils and animal fats, promoting sustainability. Biodiesel can be used in existing diesel engines without modifications, offering convenience and cost savings on engine alterations. It also helps in reducing dependency on fossil fuels, thus contributing to energy security and promoting an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional diesel fuels.
Enlist the differences between biodegradation and bioremediation.
Differences between Biodegradation and Bioremediation:
Definition:
Biodegradation: Natural process by which organic substances are decomposed by microbial action.
Bioremediation: Engineered or enhanced process using microorganisms to reduce, eliminate, or transform contaminants present in soils, water, or air.
Purpose:
Biodegradation: Primarily happens naturally as part of decay processes.
Bioremediation: Implemented specifically to clean up polluted environments.
Control:
Biodegradation: Often uncontrolled, occurs spontaneously in nature.
Bioremediation: Controlled, monitored, and managed to ensure effective detoxification.
Application:
Biodegradation: A generalized process affecting all biodegradable materials.
Bioremediation: Applied to targeted pollutants; strategic methodologies like bioaugmentation and biostimulation enhance effectiveness.
Outcome:
Biodegradation: Often results in complete decomposition to simpler non-toxic compounds.
Bioreorganizations: Specifically aimed at converting harmful pollutants to safer products, tailored according to the pollution scenario.
These differences highlight the more directed and managed approach of bioremediation compared to the natural process of biodegradation.
Explain how biofuel is better than fossil fuels.
Biofuels are derived from biological materials such as plant oils and waste which make them renewable and less environmentally damaging compared to fossil fuels. Primarily, biofuels like biodiesel burn more efficiently, have higher oxygen content, and produce fewer pollutants such as particulates due to unburnt carbon. They are biodegradable and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making them a more sustainable choice. Additionally, biofuels can be used in existing diesel engines without modification, providing a seamless transition from non-renewable to renewable sources. Their widespread use helps decrease reliance on diminishing fossil fuel reserves, promising a sustainable energy future.
Enumerate the challenges in growing 3D cultures.
Challenges in growing 3D cultures include:
Nutrient Supply: Limited diffusion in dense structures restricts nutrient and oxygen distribution, affecting cell viability and function.
Technical Complexity: Requires specialized techniques and knowledge for handling and maintenance, increasing operational demands.
Cost: Typically more expensive due to specialized media, scaffolds, and equipment.
Analysis and Imaging: Thick tissue structures hinder traditional microscopic techniques, necessitating advanced imaging methods.
Standardization: Variability in 3D culture conditions affects reproducibility and comparability between experiments.
Scalability: Up-scaling of 3D cultures for industrial applications is technically challenging and costly.
Vascularization: Absence of a vascular network in larger constructs leads to necrosis in central cells.
What are the applications of stem cells in generating organoids and spheroids.
Stem cells are pivotal in generating organoids and spheroids, which are three-dimensional cultures that mimic the complexity of organs. Organoids can be derived from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) or adult stem cells (ASCs), and can replicate the organ's architecture, cell-cell interactions, and functions. This makes them valuable for disease modeling, drug screening, and regenerative medicine. Spheroids, often used in cancer research, enable the study of tumor biology and treatment responses in a controlled environment. Both systems offer enhanced physiological relevance compared to traditional 2D cultures, bridging the gap between cellular mechanisms and actual human responses.
What are nanomaterials?
Nanomaterials are materials structured at the nanoscale, typically less than 100 nanometers in at least one dimension. Due to their small size, they exhibit unique physical, chemical, and biological properties that differ significantly from those of their bulk counterparts. These properties include increased reactivity, strength, electrical characteristics, and optical behaviors. Nanomaterials can be metallic, non-metallic, or based on carbon structures, such as fullerenes, nanotubes, and graphene. They are utilized in various applications, including medicine, electronics, energy production, and environmental protection due to their ability to interact at the same scale as biological molecules and processes.
Are there specific health risks from nano products?
Nanotechnology, particularly in medicine and consumer products, offers significant benefits but also poses potential health risks. Nanoparticles due to their tiny size can easily enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption. Once inside, they may reach organs like the brain, heart, or liver, potentially causing toxic effects. For instance, nanoparticles like carbon nanotubes resemble asbestos, which is linked to lung diseases. Moreover, the long-term health impacts of many nano products are not fully understood, raising concerns about chronic exposure. These challenges highlight the need for thorough research and regulatory measures to ensure safety.
Organoids can be created from:
(a) Both Totipotent and Pluripotent Cells
(b) Both Pluripotent and Multipotent Cells
(c) Both Adult Stem Cells and Pluripotent Cells
(d) Both Adult Stem Cells and Multipotent Cells
Organoids can be created from:
(c) Both Adult Stem Cells and Pluripotent Cells
This is supported in the text where it mentions that "Organoids can be created from both pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) and adult stem cells (ASCs)."
Incineration is:
(a) Extracting metals from their ores using microbes
(b) Treating waste which involves the combustion of organic substances
(c) Degrading harmful chemicals and materials using microbes
(d) Remediation of harmful metals from the environment using microbes.
(b) Treating waste which involves the combustion of organic substances.
Ultra small, self-assembled, three dimensional tissue cultures derived from stem cells are called:
(a) Spheroids
(b) Organoids
(c) Monolayer Cells Culture
(d) Tissue Explants
(b) Organoids
Organoids are described as ultra-small, self-assembled three-dimensional tissue cultures derived from stem cells, which can replicate the complexity of an organ, or show specific subsets of cells.
What is the colour of the nano gold particles?
(a) Yellow
(b) Orange
(c) Red
(d) Variable
(d) Variable
The color of nano gold particles changes depending on their size due to the alteration in their physical characteristics when converted to nanoparticles. Gold nanoparticles smaller than 30 nm are ruby red, up to 100 nm are pink, and larger ones appear darker.
Quantum dots can be used in:
(a) Crystallography
(b) Optoelectronics
(c) Mechanics
(d) Quantum physics
Quantum dots are primarily used in:
Optoelectronics (b)
This is because they have unique optical and electronic properties that make them suitable for applications in light-emitting diodes (LEDs), solar cells, and quantum computing among others. Their ability to emit light at different wavelengths when their sizes are manipulated makes them highly useful in these technologies. Hence, the correct answer is (b) Optoelectronics.
Fabrics are extensively made out of nano materials like ___________.
(a) Carbon nano tubes
(b) Fullerenes
(c) Mega tubes
(d) Polymers
Fabric nano materials extensively use (d) Polymers which are synthetic or naturally derived like chitosan from shell, alginate from algae, cellulose, lignin, as well as synthetic polymers such as Polycaprolactone (PCL), polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA), and Poly Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid (PLGA). These materials can be used to enhance fabrics with various features like stain and water repellence, wrinkle-free characteristics, and electrical conductivity without compromising comfort and flexibility.
Assertion: Bt cotton is a transgenic plant.
Reason: Bt toxin provides resistance to plants against insects.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) Both assertion and reason are false.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
Assertion: Bt cotton is a transgenic plant. This is true as Bt cotton has been genetically modified to express the Bt toxin, which is derived from the bacterium *Bacillus thuringiensis*.
Reason: Bt toxin provides resistance to plants against insects. This is true and it is the correct explanation for why Bt cotton is considered transgenic. The Bt toxin is effective against many pests, particularly the bollworm, which is a common pest of cotton. The toxin binds to the gut of the insect, leading to its death, which protects the cotton plant from damage.
Assertion: Biodiesel is made from raw materials such as vegetable oils, animal fats, etc.
Reason: Biodiesel reduces the particulate emissions from unburnt carbon.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) Both assertion and reason are false.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
Explanation:
Assertion: It is true that biodiesel is made from raw materials such as vegetable oils, animal fats, etc. This process is known as trans-esterification.
Reason: It is true that biodiesel reduces the particulate emissions from unburnt carbon, which is beneficial for enhancing air quality and lowering pollution, but this is not the reason why biodiesel is made from those raw materials. The decision to use such materials is primarily because they are replenishable biological sources, which make biodiesel a renewable and more carbon-neutral option compared to fossil fuels.
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Notes - Recent Innovations in Biotechnology | Class 12 NCERT | Biotechnology
Recent Innovations in Biotechnology: Comprehensive Class 12 Notes
Biotechnology has seen significant advancements, impacting various sectors from agriculture to medicine. These innovations are not just pushing scientific boundaries but are also improving our everyday lives. This article provides a detailed overview of the recent innovations in biotechnology that align with the Class 12 curriculum.
Environmental Biotechnology
Bioremediation
Bioremediation involves using microorganisms to degrade harmful pollutants from the environment. This technique is crucial for cleaning up oil spills, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
Biofuels
Biofuels are renewable energy sources derived from biological materials. The different types include:
- Biodiesel: Made from vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled cooking oil through trans-esterification. It can directly replace conventional diesel.
- Bioalcohols: Produced from crops like wheat, corn, and sugarcane through fermentation. Ethanol is the most common bioalcohol.
- Biogas: Generated from the anaerobic digestion of organic matter such as manure and crop waste, primarily consisting of methane and carbon dioxide.
- Biomass: Solid biofuels like wood, agricultural residue, and dried manure used primarily in direct combustion.
Biodegradation
Microorganisms capable of breaking down non-biodegradable materials like plastics are at the forefront of this field. These microbes are engineered to speed up the degradation process, offering promising solutions for plastic pollution.
Bioplastics
Bioplastics are derived from renewable resources like corn starch, potato starch, and seaweed. These alternatives to conventional plastics help reduce the carbon footprint and make waste management more sustainable.
Biotechnology in Oil Recovery
Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) uses bacteria and their by-products to extract residual oil, making the extraction process more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Plant Biotechnology
Box: Recent Innovations in Plant Biotechnology
Plant biotechnology has generated crops with enhanced yields, disease resistance, and improved nutritional value. Below are some significant innovations:
GMO Technology and Innovations
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in plants have been developed to withstand herbicides, resist pests, and tolerate adverse conditions. Crops like Bt cotton and Golden Rice are prime examples.
Disease-Resistant GM Crops
GM crops are engineered for resistance against:
- Viruses: Such as Potato Virus Y.
- Fungi: Like the fungal pathogen Verticillium dahliae.
- Bacteria: For example, resistance against Erwinia carotovora.
- Insects: Bt crops contain genes from Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Plant Nematodes: Crops like nematode-resistant soybeans.
CRISPR-Cas9 Technology
CRISPR-Cas9 is revolutionising plant biotechnology by enabling gene editing for desirable traits. It has made significant strides in improving crop yields, nutritional quality, and disease resistance.
Advances in Regenerative Medicine
Stem Cell Technology
Stem cells have remarkable potential for regenerating damaged tissues and organs. They can differentiate into various cell types, making them invaluable for therapies targeting degenerative diseases and trauma.
Organoids
Organoids are three-dimensional cell cultures that replicate the function of actual organs. They are crucial for studying disease mechanisms, drug testing, and regenerative therapies.
graph LR
A[Stem Cells] --> B[Organoids]
A --> C[Tissue Engineering]
B --> D[Organ Models for Research]
C --> E[Regenerative Therapies]
Bioprinting
Bioprinting involves creating three-dimensional structures using cells and biomaterials. This technology holds great promise for producing organs and tissues for transplantation.
Innovations in Nanobiotechnology
![Recent Innovations in Biotechnology](https://englishchatterbox.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/up-images/b2148a97-5585-4ffd-b4fd-ac21c88bf745.png)
Medical Applications
Nanomedicine utilises nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, enhancing drug efficacy while minimising side effects. Quantum dots and nanoparticle-based imaging agents are some examples of nanomedicine.
Cosmetic Applications
Nanoparticles like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are extensively used in sunscreens for UV protection. Nanocarriers in cosmetics improve the delivery of active ingredients for skin ageing and other applications.
Applications in Agriculture and Food Packaging
Nanotechnology improves fertiliser and pesticide delivery, enhancing crop yields. Nanomaterials in food packaging extend shelf life and maintain food safety.
Textile Applications
Nanotechnology imparts properties like stain resistance, water repellence, and antimicrobial activity to textiles.
Nanobiosensors
Nanobiosensors enable the detection of biological molecules at very low concentrations, revolutionising diagnostics and real-time monitoring of diseases.
Synthetic Biology
Concepts and Principles
Synthetic biology merges biology with engineering to design and construct new biological parts, devices, and systems. It aims to create organisms with novel functions.
Box: Applications of Synthetic Biology
Innovations and Applications
- Biomanufacturing: Producing biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals using engineered organisms.
- Diagnostics and Therapeutics: Developing new diagnostic tools and treatment options.
- Environmental Applications: Cleaning up pollutants and generating renewable energy.
graph TD
A[Synthetic Biology] --> B[Biomanufacturing]
A --> C[Diagnostics]
A --> D[Therapeutics]
A --> E[Environmental Applications]
Future Prospects of Biotechnology
Ongoing Research and Developments
Research in biotechnology continues to expand, exploring new horizons in health care, environmental sustainability, and industrial applications.
Potential Challenges and Ethical Considerations
While the promise of biotechnology is immense, it also raises ethical and safety concerns. Regulatory frameworks are essential to ensure the responsible use of biotechnology.
Conclusion
Biotechnology is at the cutting edge of scientific and technological progress, offering solutions for some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture, medicine, and environmental sustainability. As these innovations continue to evolve, their impact on our world will only grow more significant.
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